Cats often sleep between 12 and 16 hours a day, even longer for kittens and seniors. Their bed really matters. A felted wool cat bed combines everything they need: warmth, softness, durability, and peace. Here is how to choose it, place it, care for it, and help your cat embrace it.
Why felted wool for a cat bed
- It retains heat: cats prefer much higher temperatures than we do. Wool fibers trap air and retain the heat the cat produces itself.
- It stays breathable: it absorbs some moisture without feeling wet and remains comfortable in summer.
- It holds its shape: dense felt does not sag like cheap foam or synthetic stuffing.
- It is soft and dense: cats like surfaces they can knead.
- It retains its scent: wool absorbs the cat's scent, helping them make the bed their own.
- It is natural: 100% sheep's wool, with no plastic.
To be completely honest, its limitations are a higher price than a fabric bed and hand-washing rather than machine-washing.
Choosing the right shape for your cat
- Bed with raised edges: for the cat that likes to curl up and rest its head on the edge.
- Closed cave: for the discreet, anxious, or chilly cat. See our felted wool caves.
- Cushion or flat mat: for the cat that sleeps stretched out, and for seniors who need easy access. See our cushions and mats.
The simplest way: observe how your cat sleeps today. Curled into a ball, they will appreciate a round bed or a cave; stretched out, a cushion or a wide bed. For cats that sleep stretched out, also read our guide to choosing a cat bed.
The right size
The cat must be able to curl up and stretch out. A bed that is too large loses its reassuring effect, while one that is too small will be shunned. Our beds and caves are suitable for cats up to 9 kg. For a very large cat, such as a heavier adult Maine Coon, choose a cushion or a wide bed. Our cat shelter buying guide details the size criteria.
Thinking with your cat's senses
- Smell: a bed that smells of plastic or chemicals may put them off. Place a piece of fabric that carries their scent or yours on it, and avoid scented detergents.
- Touch: a soft, dense surface they can knead.
- Hearing: highly sensitive, they sleep better away from appliances and busy areas.
- Sight: many like to watch the room from a protected spot, with the opening facing the activity of the home.
Adapting the choice to their age
- Kitten: a warm and reassuring bed.
- Adult: according to their sleeping habits.
- Senior: low access and a thick bed, especially in case of arthritis. See our article on cat arthritis and the orthopedic cushion and our 7 essential adjustments for a senior cat.
Where to place the bed
- In a quiet area, away from busy walkways.
- Away from the litter box and food bowls.
- In a room where the family lives: cats like to sleep near their humans.
- Away from drafts, not right next to a window or a heater.
- Ideally, offer two different beds so they can choose according to their mood and the temperature.
Caring for a felted wool bed
- Regularly: vacuum or use a lint roller to remove hair.
- In case of a stain: clean locally with cold water and mild soap, blotting without rubbing.
- Drying: air dry, away from a direct heat source.
- Restoring volume: if the shape sags, fill it with clean fabrics while it dries.
All the details in our guide to caring for a wool cave or bed. To compare with other materials, read wool bed or classic bed.
Helping your cat embrace the new bed
Place it where your cat already sleeps, add a piece of clothing that carries your scent and a few treats, and let them discover it at their own pace, never forcing them. Some cats embrace it the same day, others in two or three weeks. Our 100-day cat adoption guarantee gives you time to test it.
MariGold beds
- Designed in France and hand-felted by our artisan partners: each piece is unique.
- Made from 100% non-mulesing sheep's wool, with no plastic.
- Suitable for cats up to 9 kg.
- Stored in France and shipped quickly.
Frequently asked questions
Can a wool bed be machine-washed?
No. Remove hair regularly, blot stains with cold water and mild soap, and for a full wash, hand-wash it in cold water.
What shape of bed should I choose for my cat?
Observe how they sleep: curled into a ball, a round bed with raised edges; stretched out, a cushion or wide bed; hiding, a closed cave.
Is a wool bed suitable for a kitten?
Yes, it is a warm and reassuring bed. Simply make sure they do not chew it.
Bed or cave: which should I choose?
The bed for a confident cat that likes to sleep near you, the cave for a discreet, anxious, or chilly cat. Many cats appreciate having both.
